From Classrooms to Playgrounds: The Impact of Pediatric Occupational Therapy
Pediatric occupational therapy (pediatric OT) is a therapeutic intervention focused on helping children develop or improve skills needed for everyday life. The goal is to support children in achieving independence and success in their daily activities—both at home and in school.
It targets various areas such as motor development, sensory processing, emotional regulation and cognitive skills.
Core Principles of Pediatric Occupational Therapy
Holistic Approach: Pediatric occupational therapy should look at the whole child, considering physical, emotional and social needs to determine the best treatment plan.
Family-centred: Parents and caregivers should be involved in this process to provide support.
Play-Based Intervention: Making therapy fun and engaging for children can increase the likelihood of reaching their goals
Individualized Treatment: In line with best practices, treatment plans should be tailored to specifically address the child’s unique needs, strengths and challenges.
Environmental Considerations: Assessment should also consider environmental factors—including physical, cultural, institutional, and social contexts—as these, along with previous life experiences, can impact a child’s functional abilities.
The Role of Pediatric OT in Child Development
Pediatric occupational therapy helps children reach key development milestones, from fine motor skills such as holding a pencil, all the way to larger movements like running or jumping—referred to as gross motor skills.
But it goes beyond tasks that just involve small and large muscle groups.
Teaching children to process and respond appropriately to sensory inputs (sights, sounds, touch, etc) to avoid overstimulation, or under-responsiveness is also a big part of pediatric OT. As is helping children to manage their emotions and behaviours—teaching them to cope with frustration, concentrate, and stay composed in various settings.
Did you know? There are three “internal” senses: body awareness (proprioception), movement (vestibular) and internal body sensations (interoception). Proprioception relates to motor control and posture, while the vestibular system directly influences balance and coordination. Interoception, on the other hand, is the sense that enables us to perceive internal bodily sensations, such as hunger, thirst, the need to use the restroom—and how urgently!
Impact in School
Pediatric occupational therapists can help children improve their school performance in various ways.
Improve academic performance
If a child is struggling with handwriting, they will be taught proper grip and handwriting techniques to improve legibility and endurance during writing assignments. Activities that improve hand-eye coordination are also often included in treatment plans to aid children in tasks like copying from the board, drawing, and using classroom tools.
Many children face difficulties focusing or paying attention as children grow up, which can affect their academic performance. Pediatric OTs can teach them techniques to increase attention span, minimize distractions and improve task completion to help them get back on track.
Supporting Learning Difficulties And Disabilities
For children with sensory processing issues and learning disabilities (such as autism or ADHD), pediatric occupational therapists can make recommendations for classroom modifications such as fidget toys, seating arrangements, or noise-cancelling headphones. They can also create strategies for breaking down tasks into smaller steps or using visual schedules for children with attention or cognitive challenges.
The introduction of tools such as pencil grips or specialized seating to promote better posture and functional skills in the classroom may also be considered as part of a holistic treatment approach.
Impact on everyday life
The support pediatric occupational therapists can provide children extends far beyond the classroom and often has long-term impacts on their lives.
Empowering Independence
Occupational therapists will guide children in mastering age-appropriate skills such as managing personal hygiene (such as brushing teeth, using the bathroom, etc) and organizing school supplies. By learning through problem-solving strategies, children gain independence and a sense of self-sufficiency as they mature.
Boosting Confidence And Self-Esteem
Through incremental successes in therapy, children can build confidence in their abilities, which carries over into every aspect of their lives—academic, social, and familial. Using positive reinforcement, OTs can motivate children to achieve their goals and celebrate their progress.
When to Consider Pediatric OT
Here are some signs to look out for in your child if you’re wondering whether a pediatric OT may be needed:
Difficulty with fine or gross motor tasks—such as struggling with writing, cutting, or playing sports
Trouble focusing or following instructions in the classroom or during daily activities.
Sensory sensitivities—such as overreacting to noise, textures, or lights, or seeking excessive sensory input
Emotional regulation issues—including frequent meltdowns or difficulty managing frustration
Delays in developmental milestones, such as dressing, feeding, or self-care
Social challenges, such as difficulty interacting with peers or forming friendships
How we can help
If you think your child may benefit from the intervention of a pediatric OT, Tall Tree can help. Our team of kind, keen and experienced therapists are more than happy to meet with you and your child to discuss their needs and areas they are struggling in. Connect with an occupational therapist today.
Appointments can vary depending on the issues and treatment. We treat a wide variety of people and conditions, and are flexible to your requirements. Call us for more information about what to expect at your appointment.
